Smart speaker

ABSTRACT

A smart speaker for providing a sound service based on an artificial intelligence platform, while being communicatively connected to an external server is disclosed. The smart speaker includes a first transceiver for connection to a wireless local area network (WLAN), a second transceiver for connection to a mobile communication network, and a processor configured to control communication connection to the external server through the first transceiver in indoor mode, and control communication with the external server through the second transceiver in outdoor mode.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The disclosure relates to a smart speaker.

2. Description of the Related Art

A type of wireless speaker, smart speaker is a voice command device witha built-in virtual assistant that provides interactive actions andhands-free activation with the help of one or more keywords.

The smart speaker may act as a smart device using wireless fidelity(Wi-Fi) and widen the use range of audio playback such as control ofsmart home devices by Bluetooth and other wireless protocol standards.

A smart speaker according to the related art may connect to a network byWi-Fi only within a spatially limited range (e.g., a home or office).This smart speaker is not capable of accessing the network and thusfunctions only as a simple Bluetooth speaker, outside the limited range.

The smart speaker causes inconvenience to a user due to the spatiallimitations of the smart function.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Therefore, the disclosure has been made in view of the above problems,and an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a smart speaker thatexecutes a smart function in any place without spatial limitations.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a smart speaker thatconnects to a network adaptively according to a spatial situation byoperating separately in indoor mode and outdoor mode.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a smart speaker thatenables connection of a neighboring electronic device to a network byproviding a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hotspot function.

In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a smart speaker forproviding a sound service based on an artificial intelligence platform,while being communicatively connected to an external server includes afirst transceiver for connection to a wireless local area network(WLAN), a second transceiver for connection to a mobile communicationnetwork, and a processor configured to control communication connectionto the external server through the first transceiver in indoor mode, andcontrol communication with the external server through the secondtransceiver in outdoor mode.

The smart speaker is further comprising a housing forming the exteriorof the smart speaker, and configured to accommodate the firsttransceiver, the second transceiver, and the processor. The housingexposes an identification module insertion port outward.

The smart speaker is further comprising a speaker configured to outputsound according to a control signal received from the processor. Theprocessor is configured to determine sound to be output through thespeaker based on location information about the smart speaker, thelocation information being generated by an identification module.

When the processor determines based on the location informationgenerated by the identification module that the smart speaker has movedfrom a first country to a second country, the processor is configured tooutput sound in a language of the second country through the speaker.

When with an identification module inserted into the identificationmodule insertion port, a signal is not received through the firsttransceiver, the processor is configured to enter the outdoor mode.

The smart speaker is further comprising a physical button formed in atleast a part of the housing and configured to convert a physical forceinto an electrical signal. The processor is configured to enter theoutdoor mode based on a signal received from the physical button.

The smart speaker is further comprising a microphone configured toconvert sound into an electrical signal. The processor is configured toenter the outdoor mode based on a signal received from the microphone.

The smart speaker is further comprising a third transceiver forshort-range communication, configured to receive a control signal from auser terminal. The processor is configured to enter the outdoor modebased on a signal received from the third transceiver.

The smart speaker is further comprising a sensor configured to detect auser's gesture and convert a user gesture input into an electricalsignal. The processor is configured to enter the outdoor mode based on asignal received from the sensor

The second transceiver executes a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hotspotfunction, and the Wi-Fi hotspot function is a function of wirelesslyconnecting to at least one electronic device and providing Internetaccess to the at least one electronic device.

The smart speaker is further comprising a speaker configured to outputsound according to a control signal received from the processor. Theprocessor is configured to determine sound to be output through thespeaker according to an electronic device wirelessly connected by theWi-Fi hotspot function.

The processor is configured to when the processor determines that afirst electronic device has been wirelessly connected by the Wi-Fihotspot function, output music of a first category and when theprocessor determines that a second electronic device has been wirelesslyconnected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function, output music of a secondcategory.

When the processor determines that a user terminal has been wirelesslyconnected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function, the processor is configured tooutput music related to data generated from the user terminal.

The processor is configured to control a volume of sound output throughthe speaker according to the number of electronic devices connected bythe Wi-Fi hotspot function.

The smart speaker is further comprising an indicator configured tooutput visible light to the outside. The processor is configured tocontrol at least one of a color, a flashing period, or an intensity oflight output through the indicator based on at least one of a strengthof a signal received through the second transceiver or a connectionstate of a mobile communication network through the second transceiver.

The smart speaker is further comprising a speaker configured to outputsound according to a control signal received from the processor. Theprocessor is configured to output a first type of sound in the indoormode and output a second type of sound different from the first type ofsound in the outdoor mode

The processor is configured to output the sound in a first frequencyband in the indoor mode and output the sound in a second frequency banddifferent from the first frequency band in the outdoor mode.

The processor is configured to output the sound in a first amplitudeband in the indoor mode and output the sound in a second amplitude banddifferent from the first amplitude band in the outdoor mode.

The smart speaker is further comprising a temperature sensor configuredto sense at least one of an ambient temperature or an internaltemperature. The processor is configured to determine at least one ofthe number of operating cores among a plurality of cores or a clockfrequency based on a signal received from the temperature sensor in theoutdoor mode.

The smart speaker is further comprising a speaker configured to outputsound according to a control signal received from the processor. Theprocessor is configured to output sound with a first-level volume in theindoor mode and output sound with a second-level volume different fromthe first-level volume in the outdoor mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of thedisclosure will be more clearly understood from the following detaileddescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the exterior of a smart speakeraccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the smart speaker according to anembodiment of the disclosure, viewed from above;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the smart speaker according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation of the smart speaker according toan embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram referred to for describing indoor mode and outdoormode according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating referring to for describing anoperation of the smart speaker according to an embodiment of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating referring to for describing anoperation of the smart speaker according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, the embodiments disclosed in the present specification willbe described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, andthe same or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numeralseven though they are depicted in different drawings and redundantdescriptions thereof will be omitted. In the following description, withrespect to constituent elements used in the following description,suffixes “module” and “unit” are given only in consideration offacilitation of description and do not have particular meanings orfunctions. In addition, the accompanying drawings are provided only fora better understanding of the embodiments disclosed in the presentspecification and are not intended to limit technical ideas disclosed inthe present specification. Therefore, it should be understood that theaccompanying drawings include all modifications, equivalents andsubstitutions within the scope and sprit of the present invention.

Although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describevarious components, these components should not be limited by theseterms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component fromanother component.

When a component is referred to as being “connected to” or “coupled to”another component, it may be directly connected to or coupled to anothercomponent or intervening components may be present. In contrast, when acomponent is referred to as being “directly connected to” or “directlycoupled to” another component, there are no intervening componentspresent.

The singular form is intended to include the plural forms as well,unless context clearly indicates otherwise.

In the present application, it will be further understood that the terms“comprises”, “includes”, etc. specify the presence of stated features,numerals, steps, operations, elements, components, or combinationsthereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or moreother features, numerals, steps, operations, elements, components, orcombinations thereof.

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the exterior of a smart speakeraccording to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the smart speaker according to anembodiment of the disclosure, viewed from above;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the smart speaker according to anembodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an operation of the smart speaker according toan embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram referred to for describing indoor mode and outdoormode according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating referring to for describing anoperation of the smart speaker according to an embodiment of thedisclosure; and

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating referring to for describing anoperation of the smart speaker according to an embodiment of thedisclosure.

Referring to the drawings, a smart speaker 100 may provide a virtualassistant function that provides interactive operations, using anartificial intelligence platform.

According to an embodiment, the artificial intelligence platform forproviding the virtual assistant function may be implemented in softwareor hardware inside the smart speaker 100.

According to an embodiment, the artificial intelligence platform forproviding the virtual assistant function may be provided in the form ofa cloud service while the smart speaker 100 is communicatively connectedto a server.

Once a specific word or sentence spoken by a user is recognized, thesmart speaker 100 may activate the virtual assistant function.

The smart speaker 100 may provide a wireless speaker function byshort-range communication (e.g., Bluetooth). The smart speaker 100 mayoutput sound based on data provided by a user terminal.

The smart speaker 100 may provide an artificial intelligenceplatform-based sound service, while being communicatively connected toan external server.

The smart speaker 100 may provide various services to the user by usingat least one artificial intelligence platform (e.g., Amazon Alexa, AppleSiri, Google Assistant, and so on).

The smart speaker 100 may include a first transceiver 111, a secondtransceiver 112, a third transceiver 113, a microphone 121, a physicalbutton 122, a memory 140, a speaker 161, an indicator 162, a processor170, an interface 180, a power supply 190, and a battery 191.

According to some embodiments, the smart speaker 100 may further includea touch input unit 123, a sensor 124, an identification module 150, atemperature sensor 155, and a display 163, alone or in combination.

The smart speaker 100 may further include a housing 200. The housing 200may form the exterior of the smart speaker 100. The housing 200 mayinclude a first housing 210, a second housing 220, and a third housing230. The first housing 210, the second housing 220, and the thirdhousing 230 may be engaged with each other, defining an inner space andforming the exterior of the smart speaker 100.

The housing 200 may accommodate various units of the smart speaker 100in the inner space. The housing 200 may accommodate, in the inner space,the first transceiver 111, the second transceiver 112, the thirdtransceiver 113, the microphone 121, the physical button 122, the memory140, the speaker 161, the indicator 162, the processor 170, theinterface 180, the power supply 190, the battery 191, the touch inputunit 123, the sensor 124, the identification module 150, the temperaturesensor 155, and the display 163. Some of the microphone 121, thephysical button 122, the speaker 161, the indicator 162, the touch inputunit 123, the sensor 124, and the display 163 may be exposed outwardfrom the housing 200.

The housing 200 may expose an identification module insertion port 240and the interface 180 to the outside. The identification moduleinsertion port 240 may be a universal subscriber identity module (USIM)chip insertion port.

The housing 200 may further include a cover 230. The cover 230 may covera corresponding part such that foreign materials are not inserted intothe identification module insertion port 240 and the interface 180.

The first transceiver 111 may connect to a wireless local area network(WLAN). For example, the first transceiver 111 may be connected to theInternet by a Wi-Fi protocol.

The first transceiver 111 may be communicatively connected to anexternal server via a WLAN connection. For example, the firsttransceiver 111 may be communicatively connected to the external serverby the Wi-Fi protocol.

To perform communication, the first transceiver 111 may include at leastone of a transmission antenna, a reception antenna, a radio frequency(RF) circuit capable of implementing various communication protocols,and an RF element.

The first transceiver 111 may exchange data, signals or information withthe external server.

According to some embodiments, the second transceiver 112 may execute ashort-range communication function of the third transceiver 113, whichwill be described later. For example, the first transceiver 111 mayimplement dual bands conforming to a Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac protocol anda Bluetooth protocol.

The second transceiver 112 may connect to a mobile communicationnetwork. For example, the second transceiver 112 may connect to themobile communication network by at least one protocol of 3^(rd)generation (3G), 4^(th) generation (4G), long term evolution (LTE),5^(th) generation (5G), evolution-data optimized (EVDO), code divisionmultiple access (CDMA), high speed packet access (HSPA), global systemfor mobile communications (GSM), or wideband CDMA (WCDMA).

The second transceiver 112 may be communicatively connected to anexternal server via a mobile communication network connection. Forexample, the second transceiver 112 may be communicatively connected tothe external server by at least one protocol of 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G, EVDO,CDMA, HSPA, GSM, or WCDMA.

To perform communication, the second transceiver 112 may include atleast one of a transmission antenna, a reception antenna, an RF circuitcapable of implementing various communication protocols, or an RFelement.

The second transceiver 112 may exchange data, signals or informationwith the external server.

The second transceiver 112 may execute a Wi-Fi hotspot function. TheWi-Fi hotspot function may refer to a function of wirelessly connectingto at least one electronic device and providing Internet access to theat least one electronic device.

The third transceiver 113 may conduct short-range communication. Forexample, the third transceiver 113 may be communicatively connected to auser terminal by the Bluetooth protocol.

To perform communication, the third transceiver 113 may include at leastone of a transmission antenna, a reception antenna, an RF circuitcapable of implementing various communication protocols, or an RFelement.

The third transceiver 113 may exchange data, signals or information withthe user terminal.

The third transceiver 113 may receive a control signal from the userterminal. For example, the third transceiver 113 may receive a controlsignal for entering outdoor mode or indoor mode from the user terminal.

According to an embodiment, the third transceiver 113 may be integratedwith the first transceiver 111.

The microphone 121 may convert sound into an electrical signal. Datagenerated according to the electrical signal may be used in various waysaccording to an ongoing function (or a running application program) inthe smart speaker 100. Various noise canceling algorithms for cancelingnoise generated in the process of receiving an external sound signal maybe implemented in the microphone 121.

The smart speaker 100 may include a plurality of microphones 121. Thesmart speaker 100 may include 1 to N microphones 121.

The microphone 121 may include a first microphone 121 a and a secondmicrophone 121 b. The microphone 121 may be configured as a directionalmicrophone. In this case, the processor 170 may selectively process onlyan electrical signal of sound from a source located in a selecteddirection based on electrical signals received from the first microphone121 a and the second microphone 121 b. The physical button 122 may beformed in at least a part of the housing 200. The physical button 122may convert a physical force applied from the outside into an electricalsignal.

For example, the physical button 122 may include a microphone-off button122 a, a power button 122 b, and an activation button 122 c for thesecond transceiver 112.

The touch input unit 123 may include a touch sensor operating in atleast one of various touch schemes such as a resistive scheme, acapacitive scheme, an infrared scheme, an ultrasonic scheme, and amagnetic field scheme. The touch sensor may be configured to convert achange in pressure applied to a specific part or a change in capacitancegenerated in the specific part into an electrical signal.

For example, the touch input unit 123 may include an action button 123 aand volume control buttons 123 b and 123 c.

The action button 123 a may be understood as a button for controllingvarious functions of the smart speaker 100. The action button 123 a mayinterwork with a light emitting element (e.g., light emitting diode(LED)). According to function implementation of the smart speaker 100based on the action button 123 a, elements of light (e.g., the color,flashing frequency, and brightness of light) output from the lightemitting element may be controlled by the processor 170.

The sensor 124 may detect a user's gesture and convert the detectedgesture input into an electrical signal. For example, the sensor 124 maybe configured as at least one of an image-based sensor or aninfrared-based sensor.

The memory 140 is electrically connected to the processor 170. Thememory 140 may store a computer-readable medium, applications, anoperating system, and communication components. The memory 140 may storebasic data for units, control data for controlling operations of theunits, and input/output data. The memory 140 may store data processed bythe processor 170. The memory 140 may be configured in hardware as atleast one of a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), anerasable programmable ROM (EPROM), a flash drive, or a hard drive. Thememory 140 may store various data for the overall operations of thesmart speaker 100, such as a program for processing or controlling inthe processor 170. The memory 140 may be integrated with the processor170. According to some embodiments, the memory 140 may be classified asa sub-configuration of the processor 170.

The identification module 150 may be inserted into the port 240. Theidentification module 150 may include a user identification module(UIM), a subscriber identity module (SIM), a USIM, and so one.

The temperature sensor 155 may sense at least one of an ambienttemperature or an internal temperature. The temperature sensor 155 mayoperate in a contact or non-contact manner. For example, the temperaturesensor 155 may be configured as at least one of a negative temperaturecoefficient (NTC) thermistor, a platinum resistance temperature detector(RTD), a thermocouple, or a semiconductor.

The speaker 161 may convert an electrical signal into sound and outputthe sound. The speaker 161 may output the sound according to a controlsignal received from the processor 170.

The speaker 161 may be implemented as a directional speaker. In thiscase, the speaker 161 may output sound in a selected direction.

The indicator 162 may include at least one light emitting element (e.g.,LED). The indicator 162 may output visible light to the outside underthe control of the processor 170. The light output from the indicator162 may be adjusted in color, flashing period, and intensity, under thecontrol of the processor 170.

The display 163 may display graphic objects corresponding to varioustypes of information. The display 163 may include at least one of aliquid crystal display (LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystaldisplay (TFT LCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a flexibledisplay, a three-dimensional (3D) display, or an e-ink display.

The display 163 may be formed in a mutual layer structure with the touchinput unit 123 or integrated with the touch input unit 123, therebyrealizing a touch screen.

The processor 170 may be implemented by using at least one ofapplication specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signalprocessors (DSPs), digital signal processing devices (DSPDs),programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmable gate arrays(FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers, microprocessors, orother electrical units for executing functions.

The processor 170 may be electrically connected to each unit of thesmart speaker 100.

The interface 180 serves as a passage to all external devices connectedto the smart speaker 100. The interface 180 receives data or power froman external device, receives power and transmits the data or power toeach component inside the smart speaker 100, or transmits data withinthe smart speaker 100 to the external device. For example, an externalcharger port, a wired/wireless data port, and a memory card port may beincluded in the interface 180.

The power supply 190 may supply power required for the operation of eachunit in the smart speaker 100 under the control of the processor 170.Particularly, the power supply 190 may receive power from the battery191 inside the smart speaker 100.

The battery 191 may supply power to the smart speaker 100. The battery191 may be a built-in battery or a replaceable battery. The battery 191may be charged by receiving power from the outside through theabove-described interface 180. According to some embodiments, thebattery 191 may be charged wirelessly without using a connector port.For example, the battery 191 may receive power from a wireless powertransmitter in one or both of an inductive coupling scheme based onmagnetic induction and a magnetic resonance coupling scheme based onelectromagnetic resonance.

Now, a description will be given mainly of operations of the smartspeaker in indoor mode and outdoor mode.

The smart speaker 100 may operate in the indoor mode or the outdoormode.

Indoor mode 10 may be defined as a mode in which the smart speaker 100located inside a building or the like provides a smart sound service bycommunicatively connecting to an external server through a networkinside the building.

In the indoor mode, the processor 170 may control communicationconnection to an external server 710 through the first transceiver 111.In the indoor mode, the processor 170 may be communicatively connectedto a router 11 through the first transceiver 111. In this case, thesmart speaker 100 may be communicatively connected to the externalserver 710.

The processor 170 may provide the artificial intelligence platform-basedsound service based on signals, data, or information received from theexternal server 710 through the first transceiver 111. For example, theprocessor 170 may convert a user's sound received through the microphone121 into text. The processor 170 may transmit the text data to theexternal server 710 through the first transceiver 111. The processor 170may receive text data from the external server 710 through the firsttransceiver 111. The processor 170 may convert the text data into soundand output the sound through the speaker 161.

Outdoor mode 20 is defined as a mode in which the smart speaker 100located outside a building or the like provides the smart sound serviceby communicatively connecting to the external server 710 through amobile communication network.

The processor 170 may control communication connection to the externalserver 710 through the second transceiver 112 in the outdoor mode. Inthe outdoor mode, the processor 170 may connect to the mobilecommunication network through the second transceiver 112. In this case,the smart speaker 100 may be communicatively connected to the externalserver 710.

The processor 170 may provide the artificial intelligence platform-basedsound service based on signals, data, or information received from theexternal server 710 through the second transceiver 112. For example, theprocessor 170 may convert a user's sound received through the microphone121 into text. The processor 170 may transmit the text data to theexternal server 710 through the second transceiver 112. The processor170 may receive text data from the external server 710 through thesecond transceiver 112. The processor 170 may convert the text data intosound and output the sound through the speaker 161.

The external server 710 may provide a service by using an artificialintelligence platform. For example, the external server 710 may be aserver provided for providing a service based on an artificialintelligence platform in Google, Apple, Amazon, or the like.

The processor 170 may obtain information about the location of the smartspeaker 100 through the identification module 150. For example, with aUSIM inserted in the identification module insertion port 240, theprocessor 170 may identify the location of the smart speaker 100according to the result of exchanging signals with at least one basestation (BS).

The processor 170 may determine sound output through the speaker 161based on location information about the smart speaker 100, generated bythe identification module 150.

The processor 170 may output sound in a language used where the smartspeaker 100 is located. For example, when the processor 170 determinesthat the smart speaker 100 has moved from a first country to a secondcountry, based on the location information generated by theidentification module 150, the processor 170 may output sound in alanguage of the second country through the speaker 161.

The processor 170 may output different types of sound according to aplace where the smart speaker 100 is located. For example, when theprocessor 100 determines that the smart speaker 100 is located in afirst place (or country), the processor 170 may output a first type ofsound. When the processor 100 determines that the smart speaker 100 islocated in a second place (or country), the processor 170 may output asecond type of sound. The first type of sound may have a first frequencyband, a first amplitude band, and a first tone color. The second type ofsound may have a second frequency band different from the firstfrequency band, a second amplitude band different from the firstamplitude band, and a second tone color different from the first tonecolor.

The processor 170 may function as an automatic translator by receivingsound in a first language and outputting the sound in a second language.

When a preset condition is satisfied, the processor 170 may switch fromthe indoor mode 10 to the outdoor mode 20.

For example, when with the identification module 150 inserted into theidentification module insertion port 240, a signal has not been receivedthrough the first transceiver 111, the processor 170 may enter theoutdoor mode 20.

For example, the processor 170 may enter the outdoor mode 20 based on asignal received from the physical button 122 c for activating the secondtransceiver 112.

For example, the processor 170 may enter the outdoor mode 20 based on asignal received from the microphone 121. For example, when a user'svoice command for switching to the outdoor mode is received through themicrophone 121, the processor 170 may enter the outdoor mode 20.

For example, the processor 170 may enter the outdoor mode 20 based on asignal received through the third transceiver 113. For example, when acontrol signal for switching to the outdoor mode is received from theuser terminal, the processor 170 may enter the outdoor mode 20.

For example, the processor 170 may enter the outdoor mode 20 based on asignal received from the sensor 124. For example, when a user's gestureinput for switching to the outdoor mode 20 is received at the sensor124, the processor 170 may enter the outdoor mode 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, the processor 170 may activate the Wi-Fihotspot function. For example, when the processor 170 receives a requestsignal from at least one neighboring electronic device 810, 820, 830, or840, the processor 170 may activate the Wi-Fi hotspot function throughthe second transceiver 112.

The at least one electronic device 810, 820, 830, or 840 may beconnected to the network 720 through the smart speaker 100.

The processor 170 may determine sound output through the speaker 161according to an electronic device wirelessly connected by the Wi-Fihotspot function.

For example, when the processor 170 determines that a first electronicdevice is wirelessly connected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function, theprocessor 170 may output music of a first category. When the processor170 determines that a second electronic device is wirelessly connectedby the Wi-Fi hotspot function, the processor 170 may output music of asecond category.

For example, when the processor 170 determines that a user terminal(e.g., smart phone) 810 is connected through the Wi-Fi hotspot function,the processor 170 may output sound associated with data generated fromthe user terminal 810. The data generated from the user terminal 810 mayinclude at least one of user preference music data, portal search recorddata, or social networking service (SNS) record data.

For example, when the processor 170 determines that a wearable device820 for workout is connected through the Wi-Fi hotspot function, theprocessor 170 may select and output music suitable for workout.

For example, when the processor 170 determines that a laptop computer830 is connected through the Wi-Fi hotspot function, the processor 170may select and output music suitable for working.

For example, when the processor 170 determines that a vehicle 840 isconnected through the Wi-Fi hotspot function, the processor 170 mayselect and output music suitable for driving.

The processor 170 may control an output of the indicator 162 based on asignal received through the second transceiver 112.

The processor 170 may adjust the volume of sound output through thespeaker 161 according to the number of electronic devices connectedthrough the Wi-Fi hotspot function. For example, as more electronicdevices are connected through the Wi-Fi hotspot function, the processor170 may control the speaker 161 to output sound at a louder level.Through this control, the user may recognize the number of electronicdevices connected through the Wi-Fi hotspot function.

For example, the processor 170 may control at least one of the color,flashing period, or intensity of light output through the indicator 162based on the strength of a signal received through the secondtransceiver 112.

For example, the processor 170 may control at least one of the color,flashing period, or intensity of light output through the indicator 162based on the connection state of the mobile communication networkthrough the second transceiver 112.

The processor 170 may output different types of sound in the indoor mode10 and the outdoor mode 20.

The processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to output a first type ofsound in the indoor mode 10. The first type of sound may have a firstfrequency band, a first amplitude band, and a first tone color.

The processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to output a second type ofsound different from the first type in the outdoor mode 20. The secondtype of sound may have a second frequency band different from the firstfrequency band, a second amplitude band different from the firstamplitude band, and a second tone color different from the first tonecolor.

The processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to output sound in thefirst frequency band in the indoor mode 10 and sound in the secondfrequency band different from the first frequency band in the outdoormode 20.

The processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to output sound in thefirst amplitude band in the indoor mode 10 and sound in the secondamplitude band different from the first amplitude band in the outdoormode 20.

The processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to output sound of thefirst tone color in the indoor mode 10 and sound of the second tonecolor different from the first tone color in the outdoor mode 20.

For example, the processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to outputsound by a female voice in the indoor mode 10 and sound by a male voicein the outdoor mode 20.

For example, the processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to outputsound by a male voice in the indoor mode 10 and sound by a female voicein the outdoor mode 20.

The processor 170 may control at least one of the processing speed orprocessing amount of the processor 170 based on a signal received fromthe temperature sensor 155 in the outdoor mode 20.

The processor 170 may determine the number of operating cores from amonga plurality of cores based on the signal received from the temperaturesensor 155 in the outdoor mode 20. For example, the processor 170 mayinclude a plurality of cores. When the ambient temperature or internaltemperature of the smart speaker 100 is equal to or greater than areference value, the processor 170 may control only some of theplurality of cores to operate.

The processor 170 may determine a clock frequency based on a signalreceived from the temperature sensor 155 in the outdoor mode 20. Whenthe ambient temperature or internal temperature of the smart speaker 100is equal to or greater than a reference value, the processor 170 maylower the clock frequency.

Through this control, a malfunction caused by overheating of theprocessor 170 may be prevented.

The processor 170 may adjust the volume of output sound according to themode state of the smart speaker 100. For example, the processor 170 maycontrol the speaker 161 to output sound with a first-level volume in theindoor mode 10, and sound with a second-level volume different from thefirst-level volume in the outdoor mode 20.

When the smart speaker 100 switches from the indoor mode 10 to theoutdoor mode 20, the processor 170 may switch the sound output from thespeaker 161 from the-first level volume to the second-level volume. Inthis case, the processor 170 may control the sound volume to begradually changed for a certain period of time without changing thesound volume instantaneously.

When the smart speaker 100 switches from the outdoor mode 20 to theindoor mode 10, the processor 170 may switch the sound output to thespeaker 161 from the second-level volume to the first-level volume. Inthis case, the processor 170 may control the sound volume to begradually changed for a certain period of time without changing thesound volume instantaneously.

Through this control, it is possible to output sound with a volumesuitable for a surrounding situation.

The processor 170 may control at least one of the speaker 161, theindicator 162, or the display 163 according to whether a USIM ismounted. For example, the processor 170 may output an alarm, when theUSIM is not mounted.

In the outdoor mode 20, the processor 170 may provide a call function onbehalf of the smartphone, when the user's USIM is mounted.

In the outdoor mode 20, the processor 170 may control at least one ofthe speaker 161, the indicator 162, or the display 163 according to thestate of the battery 191. For example, in the outdoor mode 20, theprocessor 170 may output an alarm, when the remaining amount of storedelectric energy of the battery 191 is equal to or less than a referencevalue.

The processor 170 may perform a program update according to a requestfrom the external server 710. For example, when a program update requestsignal is received from the external server 710, the processor 170 doesnot perform a program update in the outdoor mode 20, and performs aprogram update in the indoor mode 10. According to an embodiment, uponreceipt of a user request, the processor 170 may perform a programupdate even in the outdoor mode 20.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, the smart speaker 100 may operate in thefollowing order.

The processor 170 may determine a mode state of the smart speaker 100(S510).

When the smart speaker 100 is in the indoor mode 10, the processor 170may be communicatively connected to the external server 710 through thefirst transceiver 111 (S515).

The processor 170 may control an output of the indicator 162 based on asignal received through the first transceiver 111 (S520). For example,the processor 170 may control at least one of the color, flashingperiod, or intensity of light output through the indicator 162 based onthe strength of the signal received through the first transceiver 111.For example, the processor 170 may control at least one of the color,flashing period, or intensity of light output through the indicator 162based on a connection state of WLAN through the first transceiver 111.

The processor 170 may control the speaker 161 to output a first type ofsound, while being connected to the WLAN through the first transceiver111 (S525).

When the smart speaker 100 is in the outdoor mode 20, the processor 170may be communicatively connected to the external server 710 through thesecond transceiver 112 (S530).

The processor 170 may control the output of the indicator 162 based on asignal received through the second transceiver 112 (S535). For example,the processor 170 may control at least one of the color, flashingperiod, or intensity of light output through the indicator 162 based onthe strength of the signal received through the second transceiver 112.For example, the processor 170 may control at least one of the color,flashing period, or intensity of light output through the indicator 162based on a connection state of a mobile communication network throughthe second transceiver 112.

After operation S530, the processor 170 may determine whether a hotspotrequest signal has been received from a neighboring electronic device810, 820, 830, or 840 (S545).

When the hotspot request signal has been received, the processor 170 mayexecute a hotspot function (S550).

The processor 170 may determine output sound according to thehotspot-connected electronic device (S555).

As is apparent from the above description, the disclosure has one ormore effects such as the following one.

Because the smart speaker is capable of connecting to a networkirrespective of a space in which the smart speaker is located, a smartfunction is provided even outside a building.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have beendisclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art willappreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions arepossible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosureas disclosed in the accompanying claims.

The function of the processor 170 in the present invention may beimplemented as code that can be written on a computer-readable recordingmedium and thus read by a computer system. The computer-readablerecording medium may be any type of recording device in which data isstored in a computer-readable manner. Examples of the computer-readablerecording medium include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive(SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), a read only memory (ROM), a randomaccess memory (RAM), a compact disk ROM (CD-ROM), a magnetic tape, afloppy disk, an optical data storage, and a carrier wave (e.g., datatransmission over the Internet).

The above embodiments are therefore to be construed in all aspects asillustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention should bedetermined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, not bythe above description, and all changes coming within the meaning andequivalency range of the appended claims are intended to be embracedtherein.

1. A smart speaker for providing a sound service based on an artificial intelligence platform, while being communicatively connected to an external server, the smart speaker comprising: a first transceiver for connection to a wireless local area network (WLAN); a second transceiver for connection to a mobile communication network; a processor configured to: control communication connection to the external server through the first transceiver in indoor mode; and control communication with the external server through the second transceiver in outdoor mode, a housing forming the exterior of the smart speaker, and configured to accommodate the first transceiver, the second transceiver, and the processor; and a speaker configured to output sound according to a control signal received from the processor, wherein the housing exposes an identification module insertion port outward, the identification module insertion port being a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) chip insertion port and the processor configured to output an alarm, when the USIM chip is not inserted into the identification module insertion port, wherein, with the USIM chip inserted into the identification module insertion port, the processor is configured to acquire location information of the smart speaker according to the result of exchanging signals with at least one base station, wherein the processor is configured to determine sound to be output through the speaker based on the location information of the smart speaker, wherein the processor is configured to output different types of sound base the location information, wherein, when the processor determines that the smart speaker is located in a first place, the processor is configured to output a first frequency band, wherein, when the processor determines that the smart speaker is located in a second place, the processor is configured to output a second frequency band different from the first frequency band, wherein, in the outdoor mode, the processor is configured to provide a call function on behalf of the smartphone, when the user's USIM chip is inserted into the identification module insertion port. 2-3. (canceled)
 4. The smart speaker according to claim 1, wherein when the processor determines based on the location information generated by the identification module that the smart speaker has moved from a first country to a second country, the processor is configured to output sound in a language of the second country through the speaker.
 5. The smart speaker according to claim 1, wherein when with an identification module inserted into the identification module insertion port, a signal is not received through the first transceiver, the processor is configured to enter the outdoor mode.
 6. The smart speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a physical button formed in at least a part of the housing and configured to convert a physical force into an electrical signal, wherein the processor is configured to enter the outdoor mode based on a signal received from the physical button.
 7. The smart speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a microphone configured to convert sound into an electrical signal, wherein the processor is configured to enter the outdoor mode based on a signal received from the microphone.
 8. The smart speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a third transceiver for short-range communication, configured to receive a control signal from a user terminal, wherein the processor is configured to enter the outdoor mode based on a signal received from the third transceiver.
 9. The smart speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a sensor configured to detect a user's gesture and convert a user gesture input into an electrical signal, wherein the processor is configured to enter the outdoor mode based on a signal received from the sensor.
 10. The smart speaker according to claim 1, wherein the second transceiver executes a wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) hotspot function, and wherein the Wi-Fi hotspot function is a function of wirelessly connecting to at least one electronic device and providing Internet access to the at least one electronic device.
 11. The smart speaker according to claim 10, wherein the processor is configured to determine sound to be output through the speaker according to an electronic device wirelessly connected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function.
 12. The smart speaker according to claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to: when the processor determines that a first electronic device has been wirelessly connected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function, output music of a first category; and when the processor determines that a second electronic device has been wirelessly connected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function, output music of a second category.
 13. The smart speaker according to claim 11, wherein when the processor determines that a user terminal has been wirelessly connected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function, the processor is configured to output music related to data generated from the user terminal.
 14. The smart speaker according to claim 11, wherein the processor is configured to control a volume of sound output through the speaker according to the number of electronic devices connected by the Wi-Fi hotspot function.
 15. The smart speaker according to claim 1, further comprising an indicator configured to output visible light to the outside, wherein the processor is configured to control at least one of a color, a flashing period, or an intensity of light output through the indicator based on at least one of a strength of a signal received through the second transceiver or a connection state of a mobile communication network through the second transceiver.
 16. The smart speaker according to claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to: output a first type of sound in the indoor mode; and output a second type of sound different from the first type of sound in the outdoor mode.
 17. The smart speaker according to claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to: output the sound in a first frequency band in the indoor mode; and output the sound in a second frequency band different from the first frequency band in the outdoor mode.
 18. The smart speaker according to claim 16, wherein the processor is configured to: output the sound in a first amplitude band in the indoor mode; and output the sound in a second amplitude band different from the first amplitude band in the outdoor mode.
 19. The smart speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to sense at least one of an ambient temperature or an internal temperature, wherein the processor is configured to determine at least one of the number of operating cores among a plurality of cores or a clock frequency based on a signal received from the temperature sensor in the outdoor mode.
 20. The smart speaker according to claim 1, further comprising a speaker configured to output sound according to a control signal received from the processor, wherein the processor is configured to: output sound with a first-level volume in the indoor mode; and output sound with a second-level volume different from the first-level volume in the outdoor mode. 